Chapter 17: Chapter 17 Earning Money at a Nightclub
After two long lectures, Zhang Jingdong's initial enthusiasm had completely dissipated.
He went to the third floor of the cafeteria for lunch with his dorm mates and then returned to the dormitory.
After a nap, at around 1:30 pm, Zhang Jingdong got up and glanced at the timetable by the door mirror.
There was only one computer class in the afternoon.
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He then said to Liu Ming, "Boss, I've got some errands to run, so I won't be attending the class this afternoon. Text me if anything comes up."
Liu Ming nodded in agreement: "Sure."
Zhang Jingdong headed to the university gate and took a taxi straight to Sanma Road.
Although in his previous life he had worked as a construction supervisor and was familiar with building construction and could understand interior design plans, he was essentially a layman.
And this time, he wanted his restaurant to have a grand opening, so he aimed for perfection in all respects.
After getting out of the cab, he walked about thirty meters along a row of storefronts and then saw the sign for "Liu Jinhui Interior Design Studio."
The owner of this studio is Liu Jinhui.
The guy is a Xiamen University graduate and skilled in interior design.
Zhang Jingdong considered him a friend in his previous life, not a close one, but they could still share a drink every fortnight or so.
The renovation of his hotpot restaurant was in fact undertaken upon Liu Jinhui's recommendation.
Pushing the door open, he found Liu Jinhui with his only superior and subordinate, who is also his girlfriend, Chen Hong, discussing love – no, actually discussing business.
Seeing this scene, Zhang Jingdong realized that Liu must have quit his job at a company in Shanghai just last year.
Moreover, he had quit his job for love.
Because Chen Hong was from Jiangdu and didn't find the right job in Shanghai after graduation, she returned to her hometown.
After a year and a half of long-distance dating, Liu Jinhui couldn't stand it – no, couldn't bear it any longer, so he resolutely resigned from his well-paid job in Shanghai and came to Jiangdu.
However, although there were several design companies here, the salaries were not high, so Liu Jinhui simply invested all his savings into this studio.
And because he put all his eggs in one basket, this was the time when he was working his hardest.
As soon as Liu Jinhui saw Zhang Jingdong enter, he quickly let go of his girlfriend's hand and greeted him: "Hello..."
Looking at Liu Jinhui, who still had a full head of hair, Zhang Jingdong struggled to suppress a laugh and went straight to the point: "I'm opening a restaurant and I'm looking to get some interior design done, can you take on the project?"
Liu Jinhui gladly said: "I've worked on many similar projects before, so you can rest assured."
"How many square meters is your establishment?"
"400 square meters."
"I've done two projects of similar size before, you can take a look at the results."
"Please take a seat here, just a moment..."
"Okay."
Liu Jinhui then quickly went to his desk to look for materials.
Meanwhile, Zhang Jingdong took a seat on a sofa aside.
At that moment, Chen Hong poured a glass of water and brought it over: "Here's some water for you!"
"Thank you!" Zhang Jingdong said, taking the glass.
He glanced at her as he took the water.
She was beautiful, even more so than he remembered.
Although she didn't match up to Lin Shishi or Xiao Fei, she was at least an 80 out of 100.
Most importantly, she had that gentle and virtuous wife vibe.
Zhang Jingdong couldn't help but inwardly sigh at how Liu Jinhui was willing to forgo his high-paying job in Shanghai and come all the way to Jiangdu for her.
If it were me, I would probably have done the same in my past life!
After all, a capable wife at home is worth more than a house full of gold!
Zhang Jingdong was lost in thought when Liu Jinhui came over with a folder in hand.
"Please have a look."
Zhang Jingdong took the folder and briefly went through the pictures and data inside.
Then, with satisfaction, he nodded: "Okay, I think that works. Shall we go check out my place now?"
Liu Jinhui glanced at Chen Hong subconsciously, suppressing the excitement: "Sure, no problem!"
Especially since landing Zhang Jingdong's order would pretty much be the biggest one since the opening of his own store, easily making twenty or thirty thousand!
Liu Jinhui quickly got his things together, briefly instructed Chen Hong with a few words, and then left the store with Zhang Jingdong.
Half an hour later, the two arrived at the store rented by Zhang Jingdong.
As they looked around, Zhang Jingdong roughly described to Liu Jinhui the decoration style of the Hunan cuisine restaurant from his past life.
About an hour later, Liu Jinhui had basically understood Zhang Jingdong's requests, and Zhang Jingdong mostly agreed with Liu Jinhui's design ideas.
At this time, Zhang Jingdong asked: "How many days do you think you'll need to finish the design?"
"I'll try to get it done within two days."
Zhang Jingdong smiled satisfactorily: "I like your drive. Alright then, tell me about your price!"
Liu Jinhui hesitated for a moment, and then said: "Since it's our first time working together, how about this, I'll give you a 20% discount, 30,000 yuan, does that work for you?"
Zhang Jingdong nodded: "No problem, it's settled then!"
Liu Jinhui hadn't expected Zhang Jingdong to agree so readily and gratefully said: "Thank you for your recognition. I wish us a pleasant cooperation!"
Later, the two returned to Liu Jinhui's studio.
They signed the contract, and Zhang Jingdong paid a deposit of 10,000 yuan.
Before leaving, Zhang Jingdong suddenly thought of something and said: "By the way, you're in design, so you must know some construction teams, right?"
Liu Jinhui's mind stirred: "I do."
"Then please also help me find a construction team. It would be best if you could also be on-site to oversee, as I want the renovation to be as good as possible."
"As for the cost, I will give you an additional 20,000 yuan later, what do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Jinhui was shocked and quickly said: "You... You don't need to, it is very generous of you to agree to pay me those design fees!"
"Besides, helping you find a construction team and overseeing the site, to be honest, I often do that to ensure the best design effect and to satisfy you, the client!"
"Rest assured, I will give it my all!"
Zhang Jingdong waved his hand dismissively: "Let's do it my way, those additional 20,000 yuan consider it as making friends with you, your words just now prove you're a friend worth making!"
"Alright, that's it. I have other things to attend to, so I'll be leaving!"
Having said that, Zhang Jingdong turned around and left.
Watching him leave the store, Liu Jinhui and Chen Hong couldn't help but exchange smiles.
Chen Hong sincerely said: "Who would have thought this boss would be so straightforward!"
Liu Jinhui also sighed: "Yeah, if we meet a few more bosses like this in the future, our business would be much easier!"
At this moment, Chen Hong went to pour a glass of water and brought it over to Liu Jinhui: "Since he's been so generous, we must work hard to do a good job for him!"
Liu Jinhui took the water and casually grabbed Chen Hong's hand: "Definitely!"
...
After leaving Liu Jinhui's studio, Zhang Jingdong first went to Yulinglong for dinner, and then headed to the Rich Man's Club.
The Rich Man's Club had always been Jiangdu's hottest and most upscale nightlife spot before '09.
One notable feature of such top-tier nightlife venues is that they typically have a lot of beautiful women, including some very high-end ones.
Unlike others who come to spend money for fun, Zhang Jingdong was here to have fun, flirt with beauties, and incidentally make money!
Today, renting a place and hiring Liu Jinhui for the design, he had spent tens of thousands at once, and surely he would need to spend a large sum when the restaurant formally starts preparations, so he must have a bit more on hand.
Moreover, the reason he chose this place was because Zhang Jingdong had long been eyeing the Rich Man's Club.
Compared to Harem Hot Spring Club, where most women were like public buses, although some here were not very clean, there were also quite a few respectable women looking for excitement.
Not to speak of others, but in his past life, Zhang Jingdong only came here three times, and once, he was very lucky to encounter a respectable woman.
At that time, he didn't have much money, yet he still had such a romantic encounter.
Now he had improved his lot, so tonight, he was even more confident.
Upon entering the Rich Man's Club, Zhang Jingdong randomly found a bar promoter and slapped down 500 yuan: "Arrange a private booth for me, preferably one where I can see the stage performance and also have a view of the bar area..."
Then he saw an almost fawning smile instantly spread across the previously constipated face of the promoter: "Of course, please follow me!"
Zhang Jingdong was amused by this fellow's impressive performance and followed him to the private booth area.